Your health depends on hearing

By Patricia Nugent

Whichever generational archetype you identify with—Baby Boomer, Millennial, Gen X, Gen Y—everyone living today shares a common aspirational denominator: We plan to age better and live longer than our predecessors.

Aside from an arsenal of creams, pills, nips, tucks and so on, one of the easiest ways to stay healthy and youthful longer is to take good care of your hearing.

“People are surprised at the positive impact hearing can have on their quality of life,” says Dr. Ashley Spisak, of Advanced Audiology Concepts in Mentor.

She offers a few sobering statistics:

• A recent study found people with hearing loss who use hearing aids can earn up to $30,000 more than those who don’t wear hearing instruments.
• Hearing aids might keep you out of the hospital. One study by Johns Hopkins found that people ages 40-69 who suffered from hearing loss were three times more likely to have a history of falling. “Hearing loss diminishes other cognitive resources, such as balance and gait,” she explains.
• Wearing hearing aids reduces isolation and increases physical activity, avoiding the risk of depression.
• Other studies have shown hearing aids might slow cognitive decline. 

“To age successfully and gracefully, we recommend patients have a baseline hearing exam at age 40, and after that every five or 10 years depending on the outcome,” she says.

In addition to preventive diagnostic tests, Dr. Spisak also recommends staying active throughout your lifetime, as exercise plays a key role, increasing oxygen-rich blood flow to the ear canal.

“The ability to engage in positive interactions with others is a key to staying and feeling younger,” she adds.

Advanced Audiology Concepts is located at 8897 Mentor Avenue in Mentor. Call the office to set up an audiogram to see how healthy your hearing is, 440-205-8848, or visit AAChear.org for more information.